From: Seamus O'Reilly
Viva Rock City? This was my 3rd show in Vegas, second at Mandalay and it disturbed me that alot of seats were empty. Its not that big a place as is. Oh well, they did just play the same venue a few months back. Neve was mediocre, I watched 3 songs, got bored so walked around, bought a shirt, a new keychain and a Pepsi One, which is my designated KISS concert beverage. Ted was Ted, I no longer need to waste my energy even writing about him anymore.

This brings us to KISS. The crowd was really into it and the band hadnt sounded better I thought. The set was the usual except that Psycho Circus and Lick It Up were switched which Ive noticed this past week, like how Strutter and I Stole Your Love switched on the reunion tour.

Ace's solo was a bit different than usual, he seemed to play it faster. After the guitar smoked and he hung it on the hook the lights went off and it was pulled into the rafters. He seemed annoyed and said "You're supposed to follow the guitar you idiot" to the lighting guy. And at the end of the solo his name flashes on and off of the screen so people will chant it. However, it only flashed once and that was it.

Some other notes-the lightning on the screen behind Gene went on too long, as soon as Gene's face was shown he was already beginning to drool the blood. Also, during Cold Gin Ace tried to lick Gene back-I had to laugh at that one. During 100, 000 Years Paul threw the mic up but didnt catch it.

Before RARAN they bowed and Peter took a KISS banner someone from the crowd had and ran across the stage with it on his shoulders. Paul sung "Suuuupermaaaan." The show was incredible and it really struck me that it's nearing the end. No longer can I say "Ah, I have 5 more shows coming up", Ive only 2! After the show ended I noticed a guy, he must have been 35 or so wearing a faded KISS shirt. His wife was hugging him and the look on his face really struck me. Yeah, this is sappy but I assumed that was the last time he would ever see his favorite band. He just stood there staring at the stage looking quite sad. I nearly lost it. I am dreading that moment myself.

On the flight from LA to Oakland I sat next to a guy who works crew for the show, he is one of the pit camera guys. That was great, hearing his stories about the band, etc. Yet another memory chalked up. Next stop-Irvine.

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